DDA commits to Main Street Program application

The Downtown Development Authority motioned to adopt a resolution that fortifies their commitment to apply for the Michigan Main Street program during its recent Board of Directors meeting.

The motion comes on the tails of the DDA’s continued effort to double down on being chosen as a Selected Level member of the comprehensive downtown revitalization program. The application deadline across the state is set for Dec. 2 with only three communities graduating from Associate Member per year.

“This is the official resolution that will pretty much change how the Downtown Development Authority does business if we’re accepted into Main Street,” DDA Director Justin Knepper introduced to the board.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. The Main Street Steering Committee has been working diligently on the application process according to Knepper.

Knepper gave practical examples of how effective the application process has been for the city. It has allowed the DDA to form a comprehensive list of volunteers to assist in setup and cleanup for events such as Oktoberfest and Beer Fest.

“We’re well on our way to making Main Street happen,” Knepper added. “We’ve signed up over 100 volunteers for downtown causes over the last three months.”

A luncheon held at Three One Three on Ashmun in September helped bring several business owners together for the application process.

“Over 40 business owners from downtown came to that, and pledged over $30,000 for the next five years,” Knepper said of the informative luncheon that lectured about the five-year program. “We’ve now raised an average of $6,000 a year in unrestricted budget funds that will be used towards future downtown projects if we’re accepted into Main Street.”

If the city is selected for the program, Knepper foresees the DDA’s ability to organize events increase. He furthermore mentioned how the new volunteer email list and Facebook page have streamlined and helped create “immediate and constant action.”